Internship | Peaks and Valleys: Unveiling the Hidden Extremes in Emission Models

Mathematical models of emissions are usually based on obtaining good results on average. However, measurements of emissions show much larger fluctuations. Are we looking at measurement inaccuracy or have we failed to model the extremes correctly? Can we be certain that our model captures all emission behaviour except the noise produced by the measurement? How do we know that all high emission spikes are properly included in the model’s outcomes? In this project we will focus particularly on these “peaks and valleys” – and better try to incorporate these into our models.

In this project, we will study emissions of existing real-world measurements of light and heavy duty vehicles in the Netherlands. Some substances of interest are NOx, CO2 and PM10. Apart from a lot of monitoring data of tail pipe emissions, we also have datasets available for brake and tyre wear emissions. For each of these datasets, we are interested in studying the same central questions: how well are extremes represented in our current models? How do we improve the model for extremes to be better represented in the model’s outcomes? For the second question, it would be interesting to explore whether and which different models, e.g. Bayesian models, produce better results. The preferred approach may be decided together at a later stage taking into account the student’s interests, experience and academic background.

This project will be performed within the data science team of TNO’s Sustainable Transport and Logistics group, in which modelling real-world emissions has been a longstanding expertise. Apart from your research, you are willing to participate in activities together with other employees such as department meetings, team outings and social activities at the office.

You are a candidate with a strong technical background, for example in mathematics, physics, computer science, econometrics or similar. You have had some exposure to programming and mathematical modelling in your degree. You have an interest in sustainability generally, but you are not required to have taken any courses in your degree related to sustainability or pollutant emissions.

You are focused on achieving results and having influence and impact within TNO. You are socially involved, creative and able to think out of the box. You combine these qualities with a good dose of enthusiasm to work on sustainable mobility, both in a technical and policy sense. You take ownership of your work and you are a team player who solves problems together with others. You are also structured, analytically and qualitatively strong. You are strong in communication and you can listen "actively".

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.